By Stephanie Edwards

Pirate costumes, tons of imagination and a lot of hard work were all important parts of the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville’s latest production — “Treasure Island USA.”

To say the very least, these kids had no shortage of imagination. Acting comes naturally for most children, and these kids take it to the next level.

Written and directed by CTK Executive Director Zack Allen, the play is based on the classic novel “Treasure Island,” with a new kid-friendly twist.  

Set around Charleston, S.C. during 1713, the play revolves around the well-known character, Long John Silver, and a gang of treasure-seeking children.

The children face many obstacles along the way, and eventually, learn the importance of true friendship and teamwork.
While these actors were on stage interacting with each other, it was easy to forget that they are children. The way they executed their lines was incredible.

During their first full-dress rehearsal, on June 10, all of the children performed their lines flawlessly. They knew the script so well that they were actually feeding the adult actors some of their lines.

“What’s really impressive is that they have managed to learn all of this within three or four weeks,” said CTK publicist Harvey Abouelata.

Actors for this production are as follows:

•Alex Drinnen as Jim Hawkins
•Rowan Young as Violet Livesay
•Ron Morton as Billy “Bones” Flint
•Marisa Beeler as “Black Dog”
•Tessa Goodnight as Mr. Pew and Israel Hands
•Luke Taylor as William “Trip” Trelawney III
•Ben Croisdale as Captain Alex Smollett
•Robert Stephan as Long John Silver
•Lydia Taylor as Timothy Redruth
•Emily Hartley as Arrowsmith
•Gregory Croisdale as Tommy Twobits
•Brittani Best as Grey Lady Greta
•Sophia Abouelata as Betsy Gunn.

Opening night was on July 11. Remaining performances of “Treasure Island USA”  performances are scheduled as follows:

•7 p.m. on July 18
•1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on July 19
•3 p.m. on July 20

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

To purchase tickets, call (865) 599-5284 or visit The Emporium Center.

Tickets are $12 for one adult and one child. Additional tickets are $8.

For more information, visit www.childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com.